Container for Products

ABSTRACT

A box for containing stacked absorbent product and a method for making. The box can have six sides forming a six-sided polyhedron, the polyhedron having a primary layer comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side walls. A secondary layer can overlay the primary layer on at least one of the side walls, the secondary layer having outer edges and an interior portion. The outer edges can be substantially coextensive with corner edges of the at least one side wall and the interior portion can be transparent. All six sides of the six-sided polyhedron and the secondary layer can be a folded configuration of a single sheet of material.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to boxes configured for receipt of one or more products therein. In an example, the box is suitable for containing facial tissue.

BACKGROUND

Facial tissues are commonly used throughout a user's home, office, or automobile. While tissue boxes are often provided with prints and other decorative indicia, some users may want to customize the look of their boxes.

There remains an unmet need for a user-customizable tissue box.

Additionally, there remains an unmet need for a user-customizable tissue box that can be manufactured economically.

SUMMARY

A box for containing stacked absorbent product and a method for making is disclosed. The box can have six sides forming a six-sided polyhedron, the polyhedron having a primary layer comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and four side walls. A secondary layer can overlay the primary layer on at least one of the side walls, the secondary layer having outer edges and an interior portion. The outer edges can be substantially coextensive with corner edges of the at least one side wall and the interior portion can be transparent. All six sides of the six-sided polyhedron and the secondary layer can be a folded configuration of a single sheet of material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container in one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of die cut paperboard for making an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one step in the folding of the die cut paperboard shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one step in the folding of the die cut paperboard shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one step in the folding of the die cut paperboard shown in FIG. 3; and,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one step in the folding of the die cut paperboard shown in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a container configured for receipt of one or more products therein. In the present disclosure, the container will be described as a box for containing stacked absorbent product, such as interfolded facial tissues. But the container could be used to contain other products as well.

A container in the form of a box 10 of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the box can be a polyhedron, and, as illustrated can be a six-sided polyhedron. In general, the box can have n sides with n>3. The box can have a primary layer 12 that forms, in the case of a six-sided polyhedron, a top surface 14, a bottom surface 16, and four side walls 18. The box 10 can have a width, W, and depth, D, and a height, H, as shown in FIG. 1. In general, the width, W, and depth, D, and a height, H, can each individually be between about 3 inches to about 12 inches, the range explicitly including every fraction of an inch in between. For example, a width, depth, or height of 4.25 inches is considered included in the range.

The box 10 can further have a secondary layer 20 overlaying the primary layer 12 on at least one side wall 18. The secondary layer 20 defines a space between itself and the primary layer 12 into which a sheet, such as a photograph 26 can be inserted through one or more openings 24 created near one or more corner edges 28 of box 10 as indicated by arrow A1 in FIG. 1.

Secondary layer 20 can have an interior portion 22 that is transparent, such that once a sheet, e.g., picture 26, is inserted through one of openings 24, the sheet is held in place by secondary layer 20 but visible to an observer through the transparent interior portion 22 that forms, in effect, a window, and the remainder of secondary layer 20 forms, in effect, a picture frame. In an example, the transparency can be provided by cutting out a portion of secondary layer 20 in the shape desired to form the interior portion 22. The shape can be any shape desired, including circular, rectangular, heart-shaped, and other geometric shapes. The transparent interior portion can have a clear, transparent, or translucent film or other covering to protect the sheet, e.g., picture 26, once it is inserted into the space between primary layer 12 and secondary layer 20.

FIG. 2 shows a box 10 of the present disclosure in more detail. As shown, on two sides the side wall 18 can be formed by more than one layer of material. For example, a top flap 18A and a bottom flap 18B which can be folded to form a portion of a side wall 18. Flaps 18A and 18B can have an overlapping portion 30 and can be adhered at the overlapping portion. Adhering can be by application of an adhesive, for example. Flaps 18A and 18B can be folded over two other flaps which are folded under flaps 18A and 18B, as discussed in more detail below. A tear-away portion 32 can be disposed on a top surface 14. The tear-away portion 32 can be removed by the user to create an opening through which the product contained in the box 10 can be reached and removed. A finger opening 34 can be present to aid the removal of the tear-away portion, which can be defined by a perforated line of weakness 33.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, secondary layer 20 can be integral with the box 10 at a hinged top corner edge 36. Secondary layer can be folded in the direction shown by arrow F and adhered by adhesive 38 so that the secondary layer can be secured to box 10 at a top corner 36 and near a bottom corner edge 40. Once secured, openings 24 (see, FIG. 1) permit the insertion and withdrawal of sheet material which can then be visible through transparent interior portion 22. Secondary layer 20 need not be sized to be coextensive with side 18 onto which it is folded, but can have a width that is less than the width W or a height that is less than the height H of box 10. “Integral with” means that the secondary layer is made as part of the other box components, and not as a separate component. However, in an embodiment, secondary layer 20 can be made separately, and joined to box components by adhesive or other joining means.

One way of describing the invention is as a picture frame made of two rectangular-shaped layers of paperboard disposed in facing relationship, and with at least one of two opposing edges being open to define an opening. One of the layers of paperboard can have a transparent portion such that a picture inserted into the opening can be viewed through the transparent portion, and the picture frame can be integrally disposed on a six-sided polyhedron box. “Integrally disposed” means that the picture frame is not added as a separate component to a pre-made box, but is, at least in part, made with the other box components.

FIG. 3 shows a die-cut paperboard 50 shape that can be folded as indicated in FIGS. 4-7 to obtain the box 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 3, die-cut paperboard 50 can have major primary panels 70, 72, 74, and 76 as well as minor primary panels 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, and 66, with all the various primary panels connected by first and second fold lines FFL and SFL, that when folded according to the sequence illustrated in FIGS. 4-7 creates the primary layer of box 10. In addition, a major secondary panel 80 extends from one of the major primary panels such that when folded down as described herein creates secondary layer 20 through which a photograph can be viewed.

Thus, the die-cut paperboard 50 can be described as having five major panels that form four sides of the box 10, with eight minor panels that together form the remaining two sides of a six-sided polyhedron box. As shown, the five major panels can have the same width W that is to the width W of box 10. Likewise, the length L1 of panels 70 and 74 determine the depth, D of box 10. And the length L2 of panels 72 and 76 determine the height H of box 10. The length L3 of panel 80 can equal the length L2 of panels 72 and 76, or it can be shorter by 5% to 50% of L2.

In an embodiment, therefore, the die-cut paperboard 50 can be described as having five rectangular-shaped panels 70, 72, 74, 76, and 80 having a width W and connected at first fold lines FFL to form an interconnected series of panels, wherein one of two end panels 80 has an interior portion 22, the interior portion 22 being a transparent window through the one of two end panels 80, and wherein the remaining four rectangular-shaped panels 70, 72, 74, and 76, have foldable flap panels 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, and 66 joined thereto at second fold lines SFL.

Prior to folding, adhesive can be applied to appropriate portions to adhere folded flaps in the final box configuration. In particular, adhesive can be applied in one or more of regions 81 such that when secondary layer 20 is folded down as indicated in FIG. 2, secondary layer 20 can be secured to primary layer 12 to form the picture frame with at least one slot 24 through with a sheet, such as a picture 26, can be inserted and held for viewing through transparent opening 22. Adhesive 38 can be adhesive applied in one of regions 81, for example.

In an example, in addition to, or instead of adhesive in one or more of regions 81, adhesive can be applied in one or more of regions 82. If adhesive is applied in both of regions 82, it can be understood that slot 24 would be at a bottom corner edge, and a sheet could be inserted upwardly into the space between primary layer 12 and secondary layer 22.

Any combinations of the above disclosure can be made, including the combinations described by the following paragraphs:

-   -   A. A box for containing products, the box comprising:         -   a. a polyhedron, the polyhedron having a primary layer             comprising at least a top surface, a bottom surface, and             side walls;         -   b. a secondary layer overlaying the primary layer on at             least one of the side walls, the secondary layer having             outer edges and an interior portion, the outer edges being             substantially coextensive with corner edges of the at least             one side wall, the interior portion being transparent; and         -   c. wherein all the sides of the polyhedron and the secondary             layer are a folded configuration of a single sheet of             material.     -   B. The box of Paragraph A, wherein the polyhedron is a six-sided         polyhedron and the secondary layer is integral with the primary         layer on at least one corner edge of the six-sided polyhedron.     -   C. The box of Paragraph A or B, wherein the secondary layer is         joined by a fold line to a corner of the polyhedron between the         at least one side wall and the top surface.     -   D. The box of any of Paragraphs A-C, wherein the secondary layer         is joined by adhesive to the primary layer on at least one of         the outer edges.     -   E. The box of any of Paragraphs A-D, wherein the secondary layer         is joined by adhesive to the primary layer on at least two of         the outer edges.     -   F. The box of any of Paragraphs A-E, wherein a photograph is         disposed between the primary layer and the secondary layer.     -   G. The box of any of Paragraphs A-F, wherein the material is         paperboard.     -   H. The box of any of Paragraphs A-G, where the polyhedron is         folded paperboard from a die cut shape.     -   I. The box of any of Paragraphs A-H, further comprising stacked         absorbent products inside the box.     -   J. The box of any of Paragraphs A-I, wherein the box is a         six-sided polyhedron and has a width of between three inches and         twelve inches, a depth of between three inches and twelve         inches, and a height of between three inches and twelve inches.     -   K. The box any of Paragraphs A-J, wherein the box is a six-sided         polyhedron and has a width of between four inches and six         inches, a depth of between four inches and six inches, and a         height of between four inches and six inches.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any embodiment disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such embodiment. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A box for containing products, the box comprising: a. a polyhedron, the polyhedron having a primary layer comprising at least a top surface, a bottom surface, and side walls; b. a secondary layer overlaying the primary layer on at least one of the side walls, the secondary layer having outer edges and an interior portion, the outer edges being substantially coextensive with corner edges of the at least one side wall, the interior portion being transparent; and c. wherein all the sides of the polyhedron and the secondary layer are a folded configuration of a single sheet of material.
 2. The box of claim 1, wherein the polyhedron is a six-sided polyhedron and the secondary layer is integral with the primary layer on at least one corner edge of the six-sided polyhedron.
 3. The box of claim 1, wherein the secondary layer is joined by a fold line to a corner of the polyhedron between the at least one side wall and the top surface.
 4. The box of claim 1, wherein the secondary layer is joined by adhesive to the primary layer on at least one of the outer edges.
 5. The box of claim 1, wherein the secondary layer is joined by adhesive to the primary layer on at least two of the outer edges.
 6. The box of claim 1, wherein a photograph is disposed between the primary layer and the secondary layer.
 7. The box of claim 1, wherein the material is paperboard.
 8. The box of claim 1, where the polyhedron is folded paperboard from a die cut shape.
 9. The box of claim 1, further comprising stacked absorbent products inside the box.
 10. The box of claim 1, wherein the box is a six-sided polyhedron and has a width of between three inches and twelve inches, a depth of between three inches and twelve inches, and a height of between three inches and twelve inches.
 11. The box of claim 1, wherein the box is a six-sided polyhedron and has a width of between four inches and six inches, a depth of between four inches and six inches, and a height of between four inches and six inches.
 12. A picture frame comprising two rectangular-shaped layers disposed in facing relationship, and with at least one of two opposing edges being open to define an opening, one of the layers having a transparent portion such that a picture inserted into the opening can be viewed through the transparent portion, and wherein the picture frame is integrally disposed on a six-sided polyhedron box.
 13. The picture frame of claim 12, wherein a first of the two rectangular-shaped layers of the six-sided polyhedron box forms one side of the six-sided polyhedron box.
 14. The picture frame of claim 12, wherein a first of the two rectangular-shaped layers of the six-sided polyhedron box forms one side of the six-sided polyhedron box and a second of the two rectangular-shaped layers of the six-sided polyhedron box is joined by a fold line with a top surface of the box.
 15. The picture frame of claim 12, wherein a first of the two rectangular-shaped layers of the six-sided polyhedron box forms one side of the six-sided polyhedron box and a second of the two rectangular-shaped layers of the six-sided polyhedron box is joined on one side by a fold line with a top surface of the box and on at least another side by adhesive.
 16. The picture frame of claim 12, wherein the two rectangular-shaped layers comprise paperboard.
 17. A method for making a container, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing a die-cut sheet having at least five rectangular-shaped panels having a width and connected at first fold lines to form an interconnected series of panels, wherein one of two end rectangular-shaped panels has an interior portion, the interior portion being removed to define a transparent window through the one of two end rectangular-shaped panels, and wherein the remaining four rectangular-shaped panels have foldable flap panels joined thereto at second fold lines; b. folding in a direction four of the five rectangular-shaped panels at the first fold lines to form four sides of a six-sided polyhedron; c. folding in the direction the foldable flap panels along second fold lines to form the other two sides of the six-sided polyhedron; d. folding the end rectangular-shaped panel at one of the first fold lines over one of the four sides of the six-sided polyhedron; and e. adhering at least one edge of the end rectangular-shaped panel to the side to which it was folded over.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a removable tear-away portion on one of the four rectangular-shaped panels.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the sheet is paperboard.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a stack of tissue paper and inserting the stack prior to completing the folding steps. 